Preview
USA played well during Friday night’s must-win game against Honduras, but the scene will be different on Tuesday in Panama City.

Hostile territory. Different faces. And most importantly, a Panama squad that is miles better defensively than Honduras.

Bruce Arena, who is now 2-0 as USA manager, must make changes after Friday’s win over Honduras. Sebastian Lletget, who scored the opening goal in front of hometown fans in San Jose, suffered an ankle injury later in the match and will not play against Panama. John Brooks, who has anchored the defense for USA, is also out with a sinus infection.

USA has only one away match in the Hex so far, and it was a disastrous 4-0 loss at Costa Rica. That loss was a low point for US Soccer, and was a catalyst for the firing of Jurgen Klinsmann. With a win in Panama, USA can dust off the awful start to the Hex and climb back into World Cup contention. They’re currently tied in points with Trinidad and Tobago, but T&T will likely lose against top-ranked Mexico.